FRAN BLINEBURY, Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle |
August 29, 2007

Rafer Alson was arrested for the second time in a month, with both bookings coming in some of the nation's largest cities: New York and Houston.

Rafer Alston's long, hot summer continues. The Rockets point guard was arrested early Monday morning in New York City on felony assault charges after a man's neck was slashed inside a nightclub.

It was the second bust this month for the 31-year-old Alston, who was arrested Aug. 5 in Houston following a confrontation with a parking attendant after Alston's car was towed.

The latest incident occurred when a member of Alston's entourage got into an argument with 41-year-old Wilbert Ashman at a trendy nightclub called Stereo, according to the New York Post and Daily News.

The argument turned into a brawl, and according to Ashman, he was slashed on the right side of his neck. Alston was arrested, and Ashman later picked him out of a police lineup.

Alston, who was released without bail and ordered to return to court Jan. 3, did not return repeated telephone calls. His attorney, Alberto Ebanks, said "the case is motivated by money."

In a statement released by the team, Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said: "We became aware of the incident early (Tuesday) morning. Obviously, it is troubling that Rafer was again in a situation involving the police.

"We take these matters very seriously — the Rockets expect all employees to represent the organization in a first-class manner. Until more facts are gathered from all parties, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further."

A bouncer at the nightclub told the Daily News that Alston and his brother were involved in a fight but that nobody was stabbed.

The previous arrest came after Alston reportedly shook and spit in the face of a downtown Houston parking attendant after becoming angry that his car had been towed. Alston said then that the charges were exaggerated by "individuals who stand to profit."

Alston, an eight-year NBA veteran, entered the league in the 1999-2000 season as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks. He spent three seasons with Milwaukee and one in Miami, sandwiched by a pair of one-year stints with the Toronto Raptors.

The Rockets traded Mike James to Toronto in exchange for Alston on Oct. 4, 2005. Last season, his second with the Rockets, Alston started all 82 regular-season games and all seven playoff games. He averaged 13.3 points and 5.4 assists and played more minutes than anyone else on the team.

Since the end of the season, the Rockets have traded for James, drafted Aaron Brooks and signed free agent Steve Francis. All will compete for Alston's job.